Crucial Steelers Defender Takes Huge Leadership Leap: "He Won't Shut Up"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are once again paying their defense a boatload of money to keep the offense in games. Head Coach Mike Tomlin and the team's other decision-makers have not tried to hide the fact that having a dominant defensive unit is an extremely important goal within the organization. There were interesting comments made towards the end of the 2024 campaign that suggested communication was an issue for Teryl Austin's group. It will be crucial for the collective to be on the same page, as there are several difficult offenses that will be played throughout the course of the 2025 season.

Fans are well aware of what players like TJ Watt are capable of, but there could be some other individuals that step up in 2025. If the Steelers want to have the best defense in football, it will take contributions from all positions. That's why there are certain guys that could feel a little it of pressure once the regular season kicks off. A spot that hasn't been talked about too much is the inside linebacking corps.

A lot of focus will be on Patrick Queen as he enters his second season in the Steel City, but his partner-in-crime also has a lot of prove. As a third-round selection in 2024, Payton Wilson fell in the draft because of some prior knee issues. The Steelers had no concerns and took a chance on him, which had Mark Kaboly raving about his development on Steel Here, as the linebacker gets ready for year two.

"[Wilson] wouldn't say a word last year [in 2024]," Kaboly said. "This year, he won't shut up on the field. He's going to have a good season, definitely."

Wilson is as fast as they come in terms of a linebacker, and also has the ability to excel in coverage. This is a rare combination that will be used plenty in 2025. He has earned himself a starting role, per the team's depth chart, so he is being asked to take a major leap in his sophomore campaign. He has already proven that his speed can be used as a weapon, but maturing when it comes to communication and leadership on the field is an underrated development for the young defender.

One element to the Steelers' defense has been the pass rush, but stopping the run while having effective coverage in the middle of the field is also pivotal. Wilson brings that and has what the organization needs as far as talent. If he truly does take a step forward with his communication, which is one of the most valuable traits a defender can have, Pittsburgh is going to be set up long-term at linebacker.

A lot of eyes will be on different playmakers when it comes to the Steelers' defense, and that will be just fine for Wilson. If he continues to fly under the radar, he will add a fresh game-planning problem for opposing offenses. If Queen performs better in his second year with the franchise as well, it is going to be very difficult for quarterbacks to target the middle of the field in any given week.

Steelers Have A Lot Riding On Defense's Success For 2025 Season

Pittsburgh's offense is expected to be a bit stronger and more consistent, but it is the defense that will continue to set the tone. The unit will have a goal of getting to the quarterback and forcing turnovers, while stopping the run will also be an important weekly focus. The best possible thing that could have happened throughout the offseason was a leadership jump from Wilson, and it looks like the Steelers got exactly that.

Do you think the Steelers will have the NFL's best defense in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!

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